“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
My Dearest MacKynzie,
I struggle with this everyday. It is so easy to indulge in the drama and negativity that surrounds us on social media, in social gatherings and on the news. Sometimes the negativity thrives because people encourage it, consume it and spread it. Politics, jealousy covered with nasty words, making fun of people that are different than us, and family drama. We all know at least one person that makes us want to fall asleep in a coffin after having a conversation with them...everything is a tragedy and the world is out to get them. If you don't know someone like that, then that person might be you.
This may sound too easy, best way to keep the negativity out of your life is to watch what comes out of your mouth. It is not possible to be a content person with an unwholesome tongue. If you are having a rough time in life and everything seems to be going wrong, pay attention to what has been coming out of your mouth... what story you've been telling.
We all go through challenging times in life. What you look and feel like when you come out of the other side has a lot to do with the words that were leading you through. If you are in a tunnel yelling at the top of your lungs about how dark and long and smelly the tunnel is then all you will see is a dark, long, smelly tunnel. Your perspective and attitude will be much different if you CHOOSE to focus on the beautiful flowers growing through the rocks while singing a happy song and listening to the beautiful echo.
Almost everyone in this country has the potential to live a good, happy and healthy life. We all have unique abilities and talents. It is our responsibility to discover them and use them to make the world better. You will be much more fulfilled by finding the good in others and using your words to build them up... even if you feel like they don't deserve it. Building others up is not only about them, it is about you and your quest to be more like Jesus (WWJD). More of the passage from Ephesians says 'Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.'
Even if you are not a Christian, this message is for you. Not only is indulging in negativity effecting others, it is effecting our own dreams, passions and talents. It is effecting our lives by making us sick, depressed, angry and ungrateful.
My loving advice to you. If you want to live a fulfilled life full of joy and gratitude, your first step is to watch what comes into your thoughts and out of your mouth. Use your words to build others up instead of tear them down. Walk away when negative talk surrounds you. Stick up for those that can not stick up for themselves, with positive encouragement and thoughtful actions. Express gratefulness for the wonderful things you have in your life, instead of longing for things that you don't. You will not be perfect, this advice is challenging. We are human. Follow your heart and be intentional about what and who you let into your life. Together we can make a small impact.
My love to you and my prayer for an amazing life! Live to inspire <3 to create!
The purpose of sharing this letter is to inspire you. Please ‘like’ if you found this article useful and please ‘share’ if you want to help inspire others. You never know who is watching ;)